Bledsoe to Dallas a Done Deal

Roy Philpott

02/22/2005

According to multiple sources, the Dallas Cowboys have agreed in principle to sign former Buffalo Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe. <BR>

Bledsoe completed 256-of-450 (57%) of his passes for 2,932 yards and 20 touchdowns (16 interceptions) last season in Buffalo. He was also somewhat instrumental in the Bills stunning late season run, and surprising 9-7 final record.

The Bills announced their intentions to release Bledsoe last week in favor of second year signal caller J.P. Losman. Losman was drafted by the Bills out of Tulane after a first-round trade with the Cowboys during the 2004 draft.

For his career, Bledsoe has thrown for over 39,000 yards, spending time in both Buffalo and New England.

Bledsoe's signing will be a reunion of sorts, as he was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in 1993 when Bill Parcells was the head coach.

He was the No. 1 overall pick that year.

Bledsoe is expected to be introduced in Valley Ranch as early as Wednesday. His signing also signals the end of Vinny Testaverde's career in Dallas.

The Cowboys were expected to keep one veteran quarterback for the 2005 season, and with Bledsoe in the mix, Testaverde will likely be released.

Bledsoe said last week during a conference call with reporters that he did not want to sign with a team to be a back up.

"Backing up anybody is not something I foresee for me," Bledsoe said. "I just don't see myself ever being a backup in this league. If it comes to that, you will probably see me tip my hat and head back here to the Northwest."